Australian Customs vessels have intercepted two asylum seeker boats near Christmas Island

EXCLUSIVE: The government refuses to confirm the boats exist, but Australian Customs vessels have intercepted two asylum seeker boats near Christmas Island.

By Ian McPhedran National Defence writer

News Corp AustraliaJune 30, 20148:22pm

AUSTRALIAN Customs vessels Ocean Protector and Triton have intercepted two asylum seeker boats north of Christmas Island early this week.

The Abbott Government has refused to confirm that the boats even exist, but News Corp Australia has been told that one vessel carrying 150 people, including dozens of children, from India and a second carrying up to 65 from Indonesia had been intercepted Monday morning and were being inspected for sea worthiness.

Those aboard were also being checked for any health issues.

Once that is completed a decision will be taken on whether to turn the boats back or to tow or escort them to Christmas Island for processing.

Any sick passengers could be transferred to the island for treatment before being sent to Nauru or Manus Island for processing.

The boat carrying Tamils from southern India is unlikely to be turned back due to the large distance involved and the risk to the 150 people on board.

And the Indonesian vessel presents a risky diplomatic challenge in the lead up to Indonesian Presidential elections.

Secrecy surrounds the fate of the boats, but it is understood that staff at the Christmas Island detention centre were preparing for the first arrivals in more than six months.

The government is desperate to prevent asylum seekers from arriving at Christmas Island to undermine the business plan of people smugglers who sell the island as their destination of choice.